Terminal for lamp socket terminal block



March 15, l fi H. EGE TERMINAL FOR LAMP socxm TERMINAL BLOCK Filed Feb.27, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Hans E e M 5 Czowwei, ham? and Waden1 March 15, was H. EGE

TERMINAL FOR LAMP SOCKET TERMINAL BLOCK 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 271963 m m w m @ww, 15 eufmad 74(4 zde rb Arro/zA/Evs H. :GE 3,241,091

TERMINAL FOR LAMP SOCKET TERMINAL BLOCK March 15, as

Filed Feb. 27, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Hans Eg 21 BY N Z7 fimmjjawm Madam,

v Arroeuevs United States Patent 3,241,097 TERMIYAL FOR LAMP SOCKETTERMINAL BLOCK Hans Ege, Chicago, Ill., assignor, by mesne assignments,to Underwriters Safety Device (10., Chicago, 111., a corporation ofIllinois Filed Feb. 27, 1963, Ser. No. 261,340 4 Claims. (Cl. 339198)This invention relates to a new and improved terminal meansincorporating electrical and mechanical connection features permittingthe ready operative mounting of two initially separate portions thereofin an insulating structure such as a terminal block.

Terminal blocks of the multiple-lead, ready-disconnect type are widelyused in different environments to permit efiicient and variablemultiple-lead interconnection for power distribution from a localizedarea. In their more prevalent forms such blocks include tab-likeconnection means which frictionally receive thereabout wire leadconnectors in the form of sliding grippers. Multiple tabs areelectrically interconnected within the block thus permitting variableinterconnection of multiple leads in a ready and efiicient mannerwithout the necessity of making permanent connections such as by leadsoldering or the like. Furthermore, these blocks permit ready variationand maintenance or the electrical circuits utilizing the block as ajunction.

Blocks of the type described include certain limitations in use as theyare not readily adapted to permit different types of lead connectionwhich do not utilize the combination of a tab and slide gripperconnector. While the soldered permanent-type connection is preferablyavoided, in certain installations it is desirable to accommodatebare-wire lead connection involving the clamping of a bare-wire end.Terminal means designed for bare-wire lead connection are not readilyadapted for electrically and mechanically combined use with tab-liketerminal means. Attempts to combine dissimilar types of terminal meansresult in manufacture and assembly complexities.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improvedterminal block including special terminal means, the block and terminalmeans being especially adapted for lamp-socket attachment for powersupply to the socket and power distribution therefrom, the blockincluding uniquely mounted and arranged bare wire lead connectionportions forming a part of the special terminal means thereof.

A further object is to provide a new and improved terminal blockincluding as a part thereof unique twopiece terminal means speciallyadapted for dissimilar wire lead interconnection.

Another object is to provide a new and improved terminal means ofgenerally two-piece construction and adapted for terminal block mountingfor multiple-lead inter-connection through the block, the two portionsof the terminal means including uniquely arranged and cooperatingelectrical and mechanical interconnection means permitting readyassembly of the portions and etficient functioning thereof in a block.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the invention made in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a lamp mounted in a lampsocket to which one form of the tenninal block of the present inventionis operatively attached;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged inner end face view of the terminal block asviewed generally along line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section of the terminal block as viewed generallyalong line 33 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom corner view of a por- 3,241,097 PatentedMar. 15, 1966 tion of the block in end elevation as viewed generallyalong line 44 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of one form of terminalmeans of the block taken generally along line 55 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary transverse section of the terminal means takengenerally along line 66 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an outer end face perspective of the terminal block and thelamp socket attached thereto;

FIG. 8 is a partly sectioned outer face view of a terminal means of theblock as viewed generally along line 88 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded fragmentary and partly sectioned perspective of aterminal means of the block;

FIG. 10 is an exploded fragmentary and partly sectioned perspective ofanother form of terminal means forming a part of the block; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective of a portion of the terminal means ofFIG. 9 as viewed from the opposite end thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates one form of terminal block 11 especially adapted forimprovement by the incorporation of the terminal means of the presentinvention. The block has operatively mounted therein a known type oflamp socket 12 which receives therein the base of a known type of lamp13 which may be a mercury arc lamp used in outdoor illumination such asstreet lighting or the like. The lamp socket 12 may be formed fromporcelain or other suitable insulating material and includes a socketportion 14 receiving the base of the lamp 13 therein by means ofcooperating threads (not shown) or the like. The base of the lamp socket12 is formed with suitable apertures 15 receiving therethrough screwfasteners 16 attaching the lamp socket to the terminal block 11. Theouter exposed surface of the base of the lamp socket 12 has attachedthereto wire lead terminals 17 (FIG. 7) of known type through whichpower supplied to the lamp 13 to operate the same.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the terminal block 11 is of annularshape having a body 18 formed from insulating material such as moldedplastic. The body 18 is formed with a central socket mounting area 19 ofgenerally circular configuration with a pair of oppositely positionedand inwardly projecting socket attachment lugs 20. The lugs includeinternally threaded sleeves 21 extending through axially directedapertures and into which the screw fasteners 16 are threadedly receivedin attaching the lamp socket 12 to the terminal block. An alternativeoppositely positioned pair of smooth apertures 22 may also form a partof the lugs 20 to accommodate the use of different types of fastenersavailable for use with the lamp socket 12.

The terminal block 11 is formed with an outer fiat end face 23 and aninner grooved or recessed end face 24 with a plurality of axiallyoutwardly projecting terminal means being carried thereby. In the formillustrated, the block 11 includes two generally distinct types ofterminal means 25 and 26. These terminal means are annularly arrangedabout the lamp socket attachment area 19 in at least partiallysurrounding, circumferentially spaced relation. The inner face 24 of thebody 18 is formed with a plurality of axially outwardly projecting wallsections 27 which effectively isolate and shield the terminal means 25from one another and from the terminal means 26. The wall sections 27which are immediately adjacent the terminal means 25 cooperate to definewith the intermediate portions of the inner face 24 radially outwardlyopening groove-like areas 28 through which bare wire leads are adaptedto be received for connection with the terminal means in a manner to bedescribed. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer end face 23 is generally fiatand the portions of the terminal means 25 and 26 projecting therefromare 3 merely spaced from one another, these portions being in the formof flat tabs.

FIGS. 3 and illustrate in detail the tab-like terminal means 26 and themounting thereof in the body 18. Each :erminal means 26 includes a fiatplate-like connector 29 formed with oppositely directed end tabs 30 anda pair of intermediate, outwardly projecting, step-like shoulderportions 31 and 32 located along opposite side edges. The JOdY 18 in adirection from the outer end face 23 thereof s formed with a generallyrectangular opening 33 ex- :ending axially therethrough andcommunicating with an :nlarged generally rectangular recess 34 formed inthe nner end face 24. The opening 33 along opposite side nargins thereofis formed with slots 35 which receive :herein the outer side margins ofthe connector 29 located aetween the stepped shoulders 31 and 32. Theouter :nds of the slots 35 are formed with slot enlargements 36:ommunicating with the outer end face 23 and in which :he shoulders 32of the connector 29 are snugly received. Fhis arrangement limits theextent to which the coniector 29 can move or be inserted through thebody 18 in 1 direction toward the inner end face 24 thereof. Fixing )fthe connector 29 in its slots 35 may be brought about Jy the swedging ofthe outer corner portions of the thoulders 31 in an outward direction tocause embedding lhereof in the material of the block as shown in FIG. 3.With this arrangement the opposite end tab portions 30 of he connector29 are exposed along opposited end faces of :he block 11 for readyconnection with wire leads utilizing :lide grip connectors 37 ofwell-known type as shown in FIG. 7. In view of the special configurationof the inner :nd face 24 of the block 11 including the wall sections 27,:he portion of the molding die plate may also be designed to provideintervening short wall sections 38 between the :erminal means 26. Thelonger wall sections 27 eifeclively surround the terminal means 26 toprevent inadlertent lead contact therewith when a lead is beingintroiuced into the block 11 for connection with one of the )therterminal means 25 as will be described in greater de- :ail.

FIGS. 46, 8, 9 and 11 illustrate in detail the new and mproved form ofterminal means 25 constituting a part )f the invention. As best shown inFIG. 9, the terminal neans 25 is basically of two-piece constructionincluding 1 bare-wire lead-clamping portion 39 and a disconnect ead tabportion 40. The clamping portion 39 is of gen- :rally rectangular, openended design including an inernally threaded aperture 41 in the topportion thereof and an internally threaded aperture 42 in the baseportion hereof. The aperture 42 extends outwardly below the Jase portionas defined by a projecting internally threaded :ollar 43. The clampingportion 39 also includes a lead icrew fastener 44 which is threadedlyreceived through :he aperture 41 and is arranged to clamp the bare endof 3. lead against the base portion in power conducting con- :acttherewith. A suitable well-known type of wing- :lamping plate 45 (FIGS.4 and 5) may be received in :he clamping portion 39 and operateddownwardly by the ;crew 44 to clamp the bare end of a wire lead againstthe Jase portion.

The tab portion 40 of the terminal means 25 is of onepiece constructionbeing readily stamped out from a flat piece of metal. The tab portionincludes a flat base porion 46 which at opposite ends thereof hasintegrally formed therewith depending locking tongues 47 The base)ortion is centrally apertured with the aperture being deined by anoutwardly projecting collar 48 which may be )f generally conical shapeby reason of being punched :rom the material of the base portion.Opposite side nargins of the base portion 46 have integrally formed:herewith pairs of upwardly and outwardly projecting tabs 19 arranged inlongitudinally and transversely spaced rela- ;ion. The terminal means 25is completed by the provision of a fastener 50, which preferably is inthe form of a flat-head screw, used in interconnecting the portions 39and 40 in a manner to be described.

Each area of the body 18 in which a terminal means 25 is operativelymounted is formed with an outer end face recess 51 (see FIG. 11) whichis of generally rectangular shape to receive the base portion 46 of thetab portion 40 in seated relation. Opposite ends of the recess 51include transverse slots 52 which extend through the portion of the bodyand which are adapted to receive therein the position fixing tongues 47of the lead portion 40. The recess 51 centrally thereof is provided withan aperture 53 extending axially through the body 18 and formed withappropriate enlarged and reduced annular shoulder portions to providefor positive end abutment between the collars 43 and 48 of the pieces ofthe terminal means. The inner end face 24 of the body 18 immediatelysurrounding the aperture 53 is formed with a rectangular recess 54between the wall sections 27 to receive the base of the clamping portion39 therein with the collar 43 inserted through the aperture 53. Atransverse block-like rib 55 defines the innermost end of the recess 54to provide positive positioning means to properly locate the clampingportion 39 during assembly of the terminal means with the terminalblock.

FIGS. 5 and 6 best illustrate the assembled terminal means 25. Thecollars 43 and 48 are received in the body aperture 53 in end abuttingrelation and the fastener 50 is inserted through the collar 48 andthreadedly advanced in the aperture 42 of the clamping portion 39 toprovide for tight clamping of the two portions in electrical andmechanical interconnection. The preferred provision of the variousgrooves or recesses about the aperture 53 provides for ready andpositive centering alignment of the portions 39 and 40 to permit properinterconnection. The fastener 50 is readily inserted through the collar48 and the slot-ted head thereof is readily available between the tabs49 for tool engagement therewith and tight fastening of the portions 39and 40.

With the structural arrangement described, the fastener 50 may be formedfrom hard steel which is not ordinarily used for purposes ofestablishing the most efiicient elec trical connection. The fastenerneed not be relied upon to establish the electrical connection in viewof the special end abutment established and maintained between thecooperating collars 43 and 48. This contact establishes the mainelectrical connection while additionally mechanically stabilizing andstrengthening the terminal means. Thus a fastener 50 formed from hardermaterial and capable of more readily withstanding damage during assemblyof the terminal block may be used without reducing the effectiveness ofthe electrical connection obtained between the dissimilar portions ofthe terminal means. This simple method of interconnection furtherpermits efficient and economical use of two dissimilar types of leadconnectors or terminal means as a single unit.

The tab portion 40 of each terminal means 25' is rigidly fixed along theouter end face 23 of the body 18 by reason of the base portion 46thereof being flatly engaged with the base of the recess 51, and furtherby reason of the tongues 47 being received in the slots 52.Additionally, the location of the head portion of the fastener 50 inengagement with the base portion 46 permits tight clamping of the tabportion 40 against the body 18. This particular arrangement avoidsinterference of the larger area head portion of the fastener with theelectrical contact of the bare-wire lead with the base of the clampingportion 39, particularly where the fastener 50 is formed from lowconduction material. In this respect the threaded shank portion of thefastener 50 should not project into the interior of the clamping portion39.

In considering possible uses of the illustrated form of terminal block11 and special terminal means thereof which constitutes the basic aspectof the invention, it will be understood that each clamping portion 39 ofa terminal means 25 is used to connect the bare end of a wire lead inthe well known manner. However, bare-wire lead insertion and properconnection is controlled by the provision of the vertical wall sections27 and the defining of the lead insertion groove-like areas 28 in theinner end face 24 of the body 18. FIGS. 2 and 4 best illustrate theguarded approach available to each clamping portion 39 of a terminalmeans 25. The wall sections 27 prevent inadvertent contact between abare-wire lead and the other terminal means forming a part of the block,this being of particular importance in the event that hot connectionsalready exist through at least some of the terminal means. Thus,inadvertent shorting of the circuits of the block is prevented.Additionally, the wall sections 27 provide electrical shielding meansbetween relatively high and low voltage lines. The terminals 25 aredesigned to provide the main power connections for the block and theclamping portions 39 may receive leads handling voltages of as much as220 volts. Under such conditions three of the terminal means 25 would beutilized. The remaining terminal means 25 may be used to supply power toan additional terminal block or light socket through appropriateconnections between the tabs 49 of the respective terminal means 25.

Power distribution to a limited extent is illustrated in FIG. 7.Assuming that the two lowermost terminal means 25 as viewed in FIG. 7are in the main power circuit, suitable leads 56 extend from respectivetabs of the terminal means into connection with the connectors 17 of thetube socket 12. The tab-connecting ends of the leads 56 carry well-knownslide gripper connectors 37 frictionally received on the tabs 49. Thelead 57 is illustrative of a power take-off lead attached to one of theterminal means 25 and extending from the block 11 for attachment toanother block for operation of another lamp or the like. In this respectit will be understood that the power supplied to another similarterminal block may be taken off directly from the associated tabs 49 ofthe power terminal means for direct operation of the lamp associatedwith the other block. In other words, it is necessary merely to supplythe power-input bare-wire leads to a single terminal block andthereafter take off adequate power for the operation of a series oflamps from the first block itself.

The terminal means 26 may be used in any suitable manner for powertake-off purposes and/ or for operation of lamp accessories, such asballast or the like, under different voltage conditions. Similar leadsincluding slide gripper connectors 37 supply power to the terminal means26 and permit power take-off therefrom for operation of remote orseparate devices.

Obviously certain modifications and variations of the invention ashereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed asare indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a terminal block adapted for power connection and distributionwherein said block mounts a plurality of spaced terminal means and atleast some of said terminal means extend through said block and areformed with lead-connection portions projecting from opposite end facesof said block, the improvement comprising at least one of said terminalmeans being of two-piece construction including a bare-wirelead-clamping portion exposed along one end face of said block and aslide grip lead tab portion exposed along the opposite end face of saidblock,

each portion of said two-piece terminal means having a relatively flatbase mounted along respective end faces of said block in spaced relationto one another, each base including an aperture defined by outwardlyprojecting collar means received in an aligned aperture through saidblock, with collar means of said bases being in end abutment with oneanother to establish electrical connection between the portions of saidtwo-piece terminal means, and fastener means received through the collarmeans of said bases to maintain said abutment of said collar means andelectrical interconnection between said portions, said collar means inend abutting relation being of sufficient axial length to at leastsubstantially confine said fastener means therein.

2. In the terminal block of claim 1 wherein said disconnect lead tabportion is provided with at least one tab formed integrally with thebase thereof and projecting outwardly from said base.

3. In the terminal block of claim 1 wherein said disconnect lead tabportion is provided with at least one tab formed integrally with thebase thereof and projecting outwardly from said base, said base havingat least one integral position-fixing tongue inserted in said block toanchor said tab portion.

4. In a terminal block adapted for power connection and distributionwherein said block mounts a plurality of spaced terminal means and atleast some of said terminal means extend through said block and areformed with leadwonnection portions projecting from opposite end facesof said block, the improvement comprising at least one of said terminalmeans being of two-piece construction including a bare-wire leadclamping portion exposed along one end face of said block and a slidegrip lead tab portion exposed along the opposite end face of said block,each portion of said two-piece terminal means having a relatively flatbase mounted along respective end faces of said block in spaced relationto one another, each base including an aperture defined by outwardlyprojecting collar means received in an aligned aperture through saidblock, the collar means of said bases being in end abutment with oneanother to establish electrical connection between the portions of saidtwo-piece terminal means, and single-head screw-fastener means receivedthrough the collar means of said bases to maintain said abutment of saidcollar means and electrical interconnection between said portions, saidfastener means lzeing received through said collar means in a directionto engage the single head thereof with the base of said. slide grip leadtab portion, the combined axial length of said collar means confiningthe remainder of said fastener means therein, each bare wire leadclamping portion including adjustable clamping means arranged to clamp alead against the base of said portion adjacent the aperture therein.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,403,642 7/1946Draxler 310-71 2,414,422 l/1947 Smith et a1. 339-150 2,905,923 9/1959Hammerly 339-498 2,991,444 7/1961 Brereton 339198 3,015,687 1/1962Ruscito 339126 X 3,020,515 2/1962 Hammerly 33931 X JOSEPH D. SEERS,Primary Examiner.

ALBERT H. KAMPE, Examiner.

1. IN A TERMINAL BLOCK ADAPTED FOR POWER CONNECTION AND DISTRIBUTIONWHEREIN SAID BLOCK MOUNTS OF PLURALITY OF SPACED TERMINATION MEANS ANDAT LEAST SOME OF SAID TERMINAL MEANS EXTEND THROUGH SAID BLOCK AND AREFORMED WITH LEAD-CONNECTION PORTIONS PROJECTING FROM OPPOSITE END FACESOF SAID BLOCK, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE OF SAID TERMINALMEANS BEING OF TWO-PIECE CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING A BARE-WIRELEAD-CLAMPING PORTION EXPOSED ALONG ONE END FACE OF SAID BLOCK AND ASLIDE GRIP LEAD TAB PORTION EXPOSED ALONG THE OPPOSITE END FACE OF SAIDBLOCK, EACH PORTION OF SAID TWO-PIECE TERMINAL MEANS HAVING A RELATIVELYFLAT BASE MOUNTED ALONG RESPECTIVE END FACES OF SAID BLOCK IN SPACEDRELATION TO ONE ANOTHER, EACH BASE INCLUDING AN APERTURE DEFINED BYOUTWARDLY PROJECTING